Edward Ash Collection

Starting a business is tough anywhere.

But when you live in a place where many people lack basic services, such as electricity and toilets, it’s even harder.

These are the obstacles facing new business owners in South Africa’s townships — sprawling communities designated for nonwhites during apartheid. Apartheid may be history, but two decades into democracy, townships remain overwhelmingly disadvantaged.

Internet service and office space are difficult to come by. There are few sources of investment from within the community, and if you manage to interest a potential funder who is an outsider, you have to hope you can manage to travel to a meeting.

Despite these obstacles, entrepreneurs across the country’s townships are forging ahead. And while starting a business in a township remains difficult, it may be getting a little easier — in large part to a growing company called Hubspace. Cropping up in cities around the world, communal offices like Hubspace offer small businesses a place to work — and network — with other entrepreneurs.

Far From Silicon Valley, A Disruptive Startup Hub